8/20/26: Buffalo Bills’ 53-Man Roster Projection

With just 10 days remaining between now and the NFL’s cutdown-day deadline on August 30, “BILLieve in Buffalo” provides a roster projection for the 2026 Bills under first-year head coach Joe Brady and Co.

DENVER, CO — JANUARY 17: Buffalo Bills’ veteran franchise quarterback Josh Allen (17) orchestrates Buffalo’s offense from the shotgun during the third quarter of an NFL game between the Bills and the Denver Broncos during the AFC divisional round playoffs at Empower Field at Mile High on January 17, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire)

The summer of preseason football continues to drag on as we head toward the latter portions of August, and soon the Buffalo Bills will take on the Cleveland Browns for their second exhibition game of the offseason.

And, the matchup, which is slated for 1:00 p.m. ET on Saturday at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, after the two teams have a joint practice session on Thursday, will be the next step in the roster evaluation process for team president/general manager Brandon Beane.

All 32 NFL franchises must submit their final 53-man roster to the league office in just 10 days as this year’s dreaded cutdown day is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, with a deadline of 6:00 p.m. ET.

So, with that in mind, there’s no better time for “BILLieve in Buffalo” to join in on the roster-projection fun for the 2026 iteration of the Bills under first-year head coach Joe Brady.

Here . . . We . . . Go . . .

OFFENSE

Buffalo Bills’ franchise quarterback Josh Allen (17) stands tall in the pocket preparing to step and throw a pass during a previous NFL game between the Bills and the Washington Redskins (now the Commanders) on Sunday, November 3, 2019, in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo via All-Pro Reels licensed under C.C. by SA 2.0)

Quarterback (2)

Josh Allen, Kyle Allen

Cut: Shane Buechele

For the most part this summer, it’s been Kyle Allen who’s shined as the backup to 2024 NFL MVP Josh Allen. Of course, “shined” is loosely used in this reference. For now, Allen has done enough to stick around as the backup in 2026 . . . that could change with some shoddy play over the final two preseason games, though.

DENVER, CO — JANUARY 17: Buffalo Bills’ veteran running back James Cook III (4) and fellow running back Frank Gore Jr. (20) react on the sideline as the Denver Broncos prepare to kick a game-winning field goal in overtime of the AFC divisional round game between the Bills and Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on January 17, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire)

Running Back (3)

James Cook III, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson

Cut: Frank Gore Jr., Ian Wheeler

The top two running backs in Buffalo’s backfield are pretty much set in stone. However, Ty Johnson’s lingering right-leg injury is starting to possibly cause some rumblings in terms of a shake-up at the bottom of the running back depth chart.

Johnson often gets praised in the locker room for being the “best third-down running back in the league.” But, everybody knows that’s just Buffalo pumping up one of its own.

For now, he stays. However, Frank Gore Jr. and Ian Wheeler won’t go away quietly over the final two preseason games.

Remember, folks . . . the best ability is AVAILABILITY.

[embed]Buffalo Bills’ veteran fullback/special-teamer Ben VanSumeren poses for a team photo earlier this offseason. (Photo via @OneBillsLive on X)

Fullback (1)

Ben VanSumeren

Cut: None

Some fans and media members want to paint a picture where the Bills don’t carry a fullback this upcoming regular season. Right now, that idea is too abstract for my liking. I believe VanSumeren — thanks to his tenaciousness and quality special teams capabilities — can snag one of the final roster spots at the end of August.

[embed]Buffalo Bills’ veteran tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) celebrates with his offensive teammates after scoring a touchdown at the old Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo via Dalton Kincaid’s **IG**)

Tight End (3)

Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Jackson Hawes

**Cut: **Keleki Latu, Shane Zylstra

Like I wrote in my recent takeaways from Tuesday’s practice at Highmark Stadium, backup tight end Keleki Latu has been flashing in training camp practices as of late. However, I still don’t think it’s enough to warrant a fourth roster spot for a tight end. For now, I’m going with Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, and Jackson Hawes.

Buffalo Bills’ veteran WR D.J. Moore (2) looks for more yardage during a preseason game between the Bills and the Carolina Panthers at the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on Saturday, August 15, 2026. (Photo via @BillsRoundtable on X)

Wide Receiver (6)

D.J. Moore, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer, Skyler Bell, Dante Pettis

Cut: **Mecole Hardman Jr., Stephen Gosnell, Trent Sherfield, Quentin Skinner, Ja’Mori Maclin, Mac Dalena, Max Tomczak; Reserve/PUP: **Tyrell Shavers

Fans might notice one relatively surprising name who made the cut here: Dante Pettis. So far this summer, though, he’s done nothing but impress, especially when he’s been sprinkled in with the first-team offense. On Tuesday, Pettis caught a deep touchdown from starting quarterback Josh Allen during 11-on-11 drills, and he’s also battling it out with running back Ray Davis and fellow receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. for returning duties both on kickoff and punt returns. Meanwhile, fan-favorite Tyrell Shavers has yet to practice this training camp after coming off the torn ACL he suffered against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC wild-round round this past January.

Buffalo Bills’ veteran left tackle Dion Dawkins (73) blocks former Cleveland Browns’ EDGE rusher Myles Garrett (95), who is now with the Los Angeles Rams, during a past NFL preseason game against the Browns at the venue formerly known as FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 17, 2018.(Photo by Erik Drost licensed under C.C. by 2.0)

Offensive Tackle (4)

Dion Dawkins, Spencer Brown, Jude Bowry, Tylan Grable

Cut: Chase Lundt

For now, Tylan Grable grabs the final tackle spot over Chase Lundt. However, that could easily change following Saturday’s preseason game versus the Browns.

[embed]Buffalo Bills’ veteran guard O’Cyrus Torrence (64) and fellow Bills’ interior offensive lineman Alec Anderson (70) prepare to block the incoming Pittsburgh Steelers' defender during a past NFL game between the Bills and the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo via O’Cyrus Torrence’s ***IG***)

Offensive Guard (3)

O’Cyrus Torrence, Alec Anderson, Austin Corbett

**Cut: **Ar’Maj Reed-Adams, Nick Broeker, Bruno Fina, Da’Metrius Weatherspoon

Guards Alec Anderson and Austin Corbett are still battling it out for the starting left-guard spot in between Dion Dawkins and Connor McGovern on Buffalo’s offensive front, but so far neither player has separated themselves enough to definitively earn the job. Regardless of that fact, though, one of the two is going to be a top interior backup who can also play center if needed.

FOXBOROUGH, MA — DECEMBER 14: Buffalo Bills’ veteran starting center Connor McGovern (66) points out trouble to his teammates during a past NFL game between the Bills and the New England Patriots on December 14, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

Center (2)

Connor McGovern, Lloyd Cushenberry

**Cut: **Sedrick Van Pran-Granger

The battle for the backup center position is still ongoing in Western New York this month. However, at this point in time, I’ll give Lloyd Cushenberry the edge, particularly because he has experience with Bills’ head coach Joe Brady in the past.

Cushenberry was the starting center for the LSU Tigers back in 2019 when the team won the collegiate national championship, while Brady was the passing-game coordinator.

Cushenberry also has 80 career starts to his name in the NFL prior to coming to Buffalo this offseason.

A bedazzled Buffalo Bills helmet is shown on display during a past NFL fan experience event held in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Erik Drost licensed under C.C. by 2.0)

DEFENSE

Buffalo Bills’ veteran defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) reacts on the sidelines during a past NFL game between the Bills and the Washington Football Team (now the Commanders) at the old Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on Sunday, September 26, 2021. (Photo via All-Pro Reels licensed under C.C. by SA 2.0)

Defensive Line (7)

Ed Oliver, Deone Walker, Landon Jackson, T.J. Sanders, DeWayne Carter, Zane Durant, Greg Gaines

Cut: **Zion Logue, Travis Clayton; Suspension List: *Phidarian Mathis *(3 games)

I believe the Bills love what they’ve seen from backup defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis so far this summer, which makes his recent three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy so frustrating.

He’ll likely still be in the team’s plans moving forward, though — much like EDGE defender Michael Hoecht and former Bills’ defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi last year — especially if he has a solid finish to the preseason over the next couple of weeks.

With that said, watch out for newly-signed Greg Gaines and rookie Zane Durant. They could find themselves as being the final couple defenders to make the 53-man roster at the end of this month.

[embed]Buffalo Bills’ veteran outside linebackers Gregory Rousseau (15) and Bradley Chubb (9) joke with each other during a previous training camp practice earlier this summer at St. John Fisher University in Pittsford, New York. (Photo via @BillsOutlet_ on X)

Outside Linebacker (5)

Gregory Rousseau, Bradley Chubb, T.J. Parker, Michael Hoecht, Javon Solomon

**Cut: **Mike Danna, Andre Jones Jr., Cade Denhoff

Mike Danna flashed with two sacks against the Carolina Panthers last Saturday, but I still believe that third-year EDGE rusher Javon Solomon earns the final outside linebacker spot.

Why?

Solomon continues to be a solid contributor on special teams, which is important for the bottom half of the roster.

HOUSTON, TX — OCTOBER 06: Houston Texans’ franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) tries to evade a tackle by Buffalo Bills’ veteran linebacker Dorian Williams (42) while fellow linebacker Terrel Bernard (43) looks on from behind during the fourth quarter of a past NFL game between the Bills and the Texans on October 6, 2024, at the venue formerly known as NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire)

Inside Linebacker (4)

Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Joe Andreessen

**Cut: **Jimmy Ciarlo, Keonta Jenkins, Theron Gaines, Otis Reese IV

Linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo was mixing in a little bit alongside veterans Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams during 9-on-7 drills on Tuesday, which was certainly interesting to see.

But, be that as it may, I think the Bills might only be in the market for four inside linebackers come cutdown day.

We’ll see, though.

Also, keep an eye on second-year player Keonta Jenkins, as well as rookie linebacker Theron Gaines, who quietly had a solid outing against the Panthers in the 4th quarter of last Saturday’s game, and he’ll likely have an increased workload if the starters don’t play at all in the upcoming preseason outing against the Browns at Huntington Bank Field.

Buffalo Bills’ veteran cornerback Christian Benford (47) lines up across from former New York Jets’ wide receiver Allen Lazard (10) during a past NFL game between the Bills and the Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on September 11, 2023. (Photo via U.S. Army National Guard by Master Sgt. Jim Greenhill made available per Public Domain)

Cornerback (5)

Christian Benford, Dee Alford, Maxwell Hairston, Davison Igbinosun, Kani Walker

**Cut: **Toriano Pride Jr., Te’Cory Couch, Jordan Dunbar, Anthony Kendall, D.J. Miller

No real surprises here. Despite being drafted, Toriano Pride Jr. has undoubtedly been outshined by undrafted rookie defensive back Kani Walker throughout training camp. And, with that said, it appears Walker might lock up the fourth boundary cornerback spot sooner rather than later. He even had an interception against the Panthers.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL — SEPTEMBER 12: Buffalo Bills’ safety Cole Bishop (24) knocks the ball away from former Miami Dolphins’ wide receiver Robbie Chosen (84) during a past NFL game between the Bills and the Dolphins on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire)

Safety (5)

Cole Bishop, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Jordan Hancock, Jalon Kilgore, Sam Franklin Jr.

**Cut: **Damar Hamlin, Geno Stone, Wande Owens

Despite running with the first-team defense during practice in the wake of the recent absences of Cole Bishop and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, I don’t see a world right now where Damar Hamlin or Geno Stone make the 53-man roster. A veteran practice squad spot seems more likely for one or even both players.

Bills Mafia members celebrate during a past NFL game at the old Highmark Stadium along Abbott Road in Orchard Park, New York. The venue has since been demolished. (Photo by Dan Cating and Dan Schoedel of Idibri is licensed under C.C. by 2.0)

SPECIAL TEAMS

Buffalo Bills’ veteran long snapper Reid Ferguson (69) warms up before a past NFL game. (Photo via @BuffaloBills on X)

Long Snapper (1)

Reid Ferguson

**Cut: **None

Nothing needs to be written here. It’s Reid Ferguson’s job until he decides that it isn’t.

Buffalo Bills’ veteran kicker Tyler Bass (2), who has since switched his jersey to №. 16, is pictured kicking off during a past NFL regular season game between the Bills and the Washington Football Team (now the Commanders) at the old Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on September 26, 2021. (Photo via All Pro Reels is licensed under CC by SA 2.0)

Kicker (1)

Tyler Bass

**Cut: **None

As of now, the starting kicking job in Buffalo is Tyler Bass’ for the 2026 season. However, he missed a 44-yard field goal badly during near-perfect conditions against the Panthers last Saturday, so he’ll need to shake the hiccups before it’s too late.

Buffalo Bills’ rookie punter Tommy Doman Jr. (39) gets ready on the sidelines prior to the start of Buffalo’s “Return of the Blue and Red” practice held at the brand new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on Saturday, August 8, 2026. (Photo via @RyanTalbotBills on X)

Punter (1)

Tommy Doman Jr.

**Cut: **Mitch Wishnowsky

Silently, rookie punter Tommy Doman Jr. appears to be pulling away from veteran Mitch Wishnowsky.

It’ll be interesting to see who gets the start at punter on Saturday versus the Browns. Last game, it was Doman Jr. who was seemingly given the nod despite him not having to even kick a punt during the game.

He was the holder for all of Tyler Bass’ kicks, though.

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